Xunantunich & Blue Hole tour: Maya ruins and swimming

Cross the Mopan River to Maya ruins, then swim in a 25-foot sinkhole

A nine-hour guided tour from Hopkins combines Xunantunich, a Maya ruin site in the Cayo District reached by hand-cranked ferry across the Mopan River, with St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park, where you swim in a natural sinkhole fed by a spring. The tour includes a licensed English-speaking guide, lunch, bottled water, air-conditioned vehicle transport and parking. Children from age six are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. San Jose Succotz2h · entry included
2. Blue Hole National Park30m · entry included

Visit Xunantunich and Blue Hole

• Cross Mopan River by hand-cranked ferry
• Explore Xunantunich Maya ruins
• Have lunch
• Visit St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park
• Swim in Blue Hole

The experience

The day starts with a drive from Hopkins to San Jose Succotz, where you board a hand-cranked ferry to cross the Mopan River and reach Xunantunich. The ruins sit on a hilltop in the heart of the Cayo District, and the guide walks you through the architectural remains while explaining the culture that built them. After exploring the site, you return to the ferry and head to lunch before the second half of the tour.

St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park is the afternoon stop. The Blue Hole itself is a natural sinkhole that plunges 25 feet deep and stays filled by a crystal-clear spring. You can swim in the water or picnic on the grounds while the rainforest surrounds you. The park is the centerpiece of the day, and most travelers spend time in the water to cool off before the drive back to Hopkins.

What’s included

• Licensed English-speaking guide.
• air-conditioned vehicle transport with hotel pickup and return.
• lunch.
• bottled water.
• parking fees.
• entry to both Xunantunich and St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to15h before

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Youth (14 to 17 years) · Child (6 to 13 years) · Under 6: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 11

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 34 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Bucket List Tours & Transfers Belize

Is this one for you?Pickup from your Hopkins hotel means you don't need a car or arrange separate transport to reach the Cayo District ruins and the national park. The tour handles the drive and the ferry crossing, so you can focus on the sites and the swim.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (14 to 17 years); Child (6 to 13 years). Under 6: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Xunantunich and how do you get there?

Xunantunich is a Maya ruin site in the Cayo District, reached by crossing the Mopan River on a hand-cranked ferry. The guide leads you through the ruins and explains the architectural details and the history of the culture that built them.

Can I swim at the Blue Hole, and what is it like?

Yes, swimming is included. The Blue Hole is a natural sinkhole 25 feet deep, fed by a spring, and surrounded by rainforest. The water is clear and cool, and you can also picnic on the grounds if you prefer not to swim.

Does the tour include pickup from my hotel in Hopkins?

Yes, pickup from your Hopkins hotel is included, along with return transport at the end of the day in an air-conditioned vehicle.

How long is the full tour, and what meals are provided?

The tour runs nine hours total. Lunch is included after the Xunantunich ruins visit, and bottled water is provided throughout the day.